Inauguration of Tokyo's Toei Asakusa Line

The Toei Asakusa Line opened on July 20, 1960, as Tokyo's second subway after the Ginza Line, stretching initially from Oshiage to Asakusa. Built to alleviate post-war urban overcrowding, it used 1,435 mm standard gauge and featured advanced signaling for high-frequency service. Key figures included engineers from the Metropolitan Government who overcame tunneling challenges beneath the Sumida River. This line connected with private railways, boosting intermodal travel and supporting Japan's economic miracle. Its lasting impact includes forming the backbone of Tokyo's extensive subway system serving millions daily.